Jason Aldean, ‘The Truth’ – Story Behind the Lyrics

Songwriter Brett James talks to The Boot about Jason Aldean's latest chart-topping hit, 'The Truth,' which he wrote four years ago with up-and-coming singer-songwriter, Ashley Monroe.

I started writing with Ashley when she was 15 years old. She's one of my favorite singer-songwriters in the world. I knew she was really special when I first met her. The world doesn't know what a great artist she is just yet. She's really gifted.

We had the title 'The Truth' when we sat down to write. We started talking about what to do to make people interested in finding out what "the truth" meant. We created this character who would rather not talk about the truth, but the opposite of the truth instead. We all have that amount of pride deep down of trying to not let the world know that we're heart broken. The song came effortlessly for us. It was an easy write.

Jason heard 'The Truth' through his producer, Michael Knox. It went on hold for Jason this time last year. It's been a great thing. It's not the kind of song you expect to be a single off an album. Jason's been so hot that when 'The Truth' came out as a single, I told my friend "I think this will be a slow one because it's not your typical song that slides up quickly to No. 1." Thank God I was wrong! Shows how much I know! It's been a really fun one to watch. I'm really proud of it.